Actually, Joe6pack is right. The David was made to go into one of the niches above the entrance to the Duomo. Check it out this summer. However, they were smart enough to realize the David was a masterpiece right away and put it in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Actually, Michelangelo wanted a less political spot, such as in the middle of the arcade in the Piazza Signoria.
Actually, Robert Greenberg, on those music cds from the Teaching Company once joked about how conferences are always held in glamorous spots. Even back to the Council of Trent, which lasted for about 20 years. Naturally, I forget where that was held, but it wasn't in the cold stix.
I guess today is my day to learn something new. I will check it out, that is if I can take time away from the meeting ;-)
How 've you been RP? Inasmuch as we've set sail to set the record straight, I think it ought be mentioned that in a strictly technical sense David is no masterpiece, as during the era in question a "masterpiece," was the work executed by a guild apprentice which would be critiqued by senior members of the guild to determine if the apprentice was worthy of having his apprentice status upgraded to that of, "master." As such Pieta is Michelangelo's one and only masterpiece...